Cholestatic Liver Diseases: What Is It And What To Do About It

Cholestatic Liver Diseases: What Is It And What To Do About It

Have you heard about Cholestatic Liver Disease (CLD)? Well, it is a type of liver disease that occurs due to a blocked or reduced bile flow from the liver. It can be a functional impairment or interference with normal bile secretion that can hamper the normal functioning of the liver.

Have you heard about Cholestatic Liver Disease (CLD)? Well, it is a type of liver disease that occurs due to a blocked or reduced bile flow from the liver. It can be a functional impairment or interference with normal bile secretion that can hamper the normal functioning of the liver.

Having an understanding of the disease is an essential prerequisite to stopping the spread and prolonging the functioning of the liver. So, in this blog, we have covered everything that you need to know about the disease and what to do if the disease is diagnosed.

Types of Cholestatic

There are two major types of Cholestatic; Intrahepatic and Extrahepatic Cholestasis.

The primary causes of intrahepatic cholestasis are infection, disease, genetic abnormalities, drug use, and hormonal impact.

Extrahepatic cholestasis is caused due to cysts, gallstones, and tumours that restrict the bile flow in the body.

Now, under these heads, there are several other types of CLDs like PBC, PSC, etc., that affect people of all ages. So, it is important to have it diagnosed on time so that treatment can be administered on time.

Symptoms of Cholestatic Liver Diseases

The symptoms of Intrahepatic and Extrahepatic Cholestasis are more or less similar in patients. Some characteristic symptoms of CLD are:

  • Dark Urine
  • Jaundice
  • Fatigue
  • Abdominal Pain
  • Excessive Itching
  • Nausea
  • Generalised Itching
  • Light or White coloured stool

Causes of Cholestatic Liver Diseases

Various factors lead to bile blockage in a person. And the cause can be within or outside the liver.

  • Medications – The liver plays a vital role in metabolising and digesting medicines. However, certain medicines like amoxicillin, anabolic steroids, antifungal drugs, antiepileptic drugs, and oral contraceptives are difficult to metabolise. Make sure you keep your doctor informed about your past and current medications before starting the treatment for this disease.
  • Diseases – It is generally suspected in people with jaundice. Moreover, hepatitis, HIV, bacterial infections, autoimmune diseases, genetic disorders, and cancers are other medical conditions which can lead to CLD.
  • Pregnancy – Unfortunately, pregnant women are more vulnerable to this disease. As per recent studies, 1-2% of pregnant women suffer from this condition. The most common symptom is itching sans any rashes. It can also be accompanied by pale stools, jaundice, nausea, dark urine, and pale stools. Please consult your doctor immediately if you experience any sort of itching and lower abdomen issues.

Diagnosis and Treatment

The disease can occur at any age, and even children and pregnant women can suffer from the condition. CLD can be diagnosed with multiple methods, including blood tests, body check-ups, liver biopsy, MRI, and sometimes ultrasound.

While the site of impaired bile formation can be at any level, the management and manifestation of the disease depend on the severity of the disease and the level. With the advancement in medical sciences, several novel pharmacologic treatments have emerged. The doctors can recommend the best possible course of treatment according to the condition of the patient.

Treatment options include alternation in the medications or surgery for the removal of gallbladder stones and tumours.

If the damage is at the initial level, taking vitamin K can improve the condition. While, if the condition is severe, then surgery may be required. In certain conditions, liver transplantation becomes necessary.

Prevention

The condition can occur at any age and gender. However, you can prevent this by getting vaccinated for hepatitis, quitting alcohol, and avoiding any usage of recreational intravenous medications.

The Bottom-line

A condition that occurs due to the gradual destruction of the bile duct must not be ignored. As it can lead to several other disorders of the liver, on-time management is crucial.

So if you or any of your relatives have observed liver disease symptoms, it is wise to consult an expert. Dr Vivek Vij– a renowned liver specialist and transplant surgeon, can help you keep your liver in a healthy state. He also offers several liver care packages at a great rate.

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